Jamaica is set for the highly-anticipated return of Carnival in Jamaica. 

The carnival season begins Friday, July 1, concluding on July 16; Jamaica has not hosted Carnival since April 2019 as a result of the pandemic. 

The plan this year, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said, is for an “even bigger carnival celebration this year.” 

“We are mindful of the significant economic loss our country has suffered from not hosting Carnival in Jamaica and its related events, which generate billions of dollars annually, with many Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises benefiting from the celebrations,” he said. “As the country continues to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are pleased to announce that we are forging ahead with plans for the 2022 season of Carnival in Jamaica.”

The season kicks off with a series of pre-events beginning June 24, ranging from Hard Wine to “Bacchanal Rum for Breakfast” and Soca vs. Dancehall, among others. 

Other events in July include Xodus Tailgate, Sunakissed, Bacchanal J’ouvert, Duck Work, PM: The Official Pre-Mas Fete, Xodus Remedy, and the post-Carnival Road Parade event – Big Wall.

“Carnival has become a staple of the entertainment landscape in Jamaica,” said Olivia Grange, Jamaica’s Minister of Culture. “As the entertainment sector continues to recover, more of these mega events are needed in Jamaica to help stabilize our economy and further boost our status as a country of culture and entertainment.”

Jamaica launched “Carnival in Jamaica” in 2017, creating an umbrella brand for all of the island’s carnival activities. 

The annual event aims to “transform the carnival experience locally,” the organization says. 

Next year, Carnival in Jamaica will be returning to its usual staging in April.